Disposable camera

Disposable Cameras (also called disposable cameras ) are simple viewfinder cameras in which the film can not normally be changed. They are given as a whole to the photo lab where the camera open and there loaded film is developed. The empty camera housings are either disposed of by the photo lab or collected and optionally provided by the manufacturer of the disposable camera with a new movie and again brought into the trade. Since usually a commercially available miniature film with cartridge is inserted, some hobbyists open their disposable cameras after use and also self- assemble it with a new film.

The first single-use cameras (product name Quicksnap ) were developed by Fujifilm and introduced to the market in the early 1990s. They consisted of a tightly bonded cardboard case with a fixed focus plastic lens and a simple viewfinder. Later models followed with flash. Today, disposable cameras are offered by many manufacturers, they are largely developed by Fuji construction. Is typically used with 27 mm film images, and occasionally the now little more spread Pocket film. There are also models with plastic housing which can be conditionally used under water ( in one to three meters of water depth).

From the beginning, disposable cameras have been criticized because of the problematic by the mix of paper, plastic, electronic components and batteries disposal. The first fully recyclable disposable camera was developed in 1986 by Fujifilm and brought to market. Disposable cameras were able to (eg in the car in case of an accident ) prevail as " opportunity Camera" for snapshots and "reserve camera." Custom printed, they are widely used as promotional gift.

The German journalist Philipp Abresch took advantage of the comparatively low price of disposable cameras on several projects for " photojournalism from below." In 1999, he distributed disposable cameras to children in Kosovo. This was followed in 2002 initiated a project in cooperation with GTZ under the auspices of Yoko Ono. At about 500 children in 45 countries disposable cameras were distributed with a request to photograph on April 30 with them. This resulted in the traveling exhibition "Imagine, your photos will open my eyes". In early 2004 Abresch distributed in Baghdad 170 disposable cameras to children, young people and U.S. soldiers. It originated more than 3500 photos.